£19.5 million to help transport in North East England (Levelling Up Fund 2)
Almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund was allocated to County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland to improve the availability and quality of sustainable zero emission transport options in the region.
Zero emission buses
The investment will go towards 52 zero emission buses, providing over 3,000 seats for passengers, and support a network of 26 electric vehicle chargers. This will remove 7797 tonnes of CO2.
Electric vehicle charging
Levelling Up funding will also deliver 92 electric vehicle charging points across 36 regional sites. This will mean that 181 vehicles can be charged at any one time.
Impact in the North East
The investment will help:
- improve the environmental impact of vehicles in the area through reduced C02 emissions
- reduce congestion, through the implementation of new zero emission buses and more seats for passengers, reducing the number of cars on the road
- increase public transport uptake with the zero emission buses offering a smoother and quieter service with Wi-Fi, wireless charging and other modern features
- support local businesses, as areas will benefit from the new infrastructure
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee said
We’re passionate about providing the necessary facilities in the North East to encourage greener, more sustainable transport options and the new zero emission buses and electric vehicle chargers will do just that.
Find out more about North East’s net zero ambitions
Find out more about the North East Transport Plan
Find more about Levelling Up